As near 26kmh (14knot) winds blew across Lake Dunstan, a fleet of pint-sized, radio-controlled yachts took to the water, competing in the one-metre boat National Championships.
Thirty-two competitors were taking part, racing their boats on the lake near McNulty Inlet.
Regatta scorer Jonny Price, of Cromwell, said while the weather was "a curveball", it made for a fiercely contested event.
"A lot of the other competitors are used to sailing on ponds. They may get the wind but they don’t tend to get the waves that we do.
"It makes it much more competitive; it levels the playing field a little bit more."
The event continues today and tomorrow and locals were encouraged to watch the racing, Mr Price said.
"They will get to see some top-class international sailors.
"Come down and see the strongest fleet we’ve had for a long time."
He had, by his own admission, a rough start to the competition but improved as the day went on, he said.
The wind made for "world-class" conditions, although he was hoping for some sun at some point during the weekend.
The social aspect of the sport was a drawcard for him — "getting together with people".
Mr Nelson had been racing radio-controlled yachts for about 15 years and was competing at this year’s national competition with the fittingly named, bright orange boat "Smashing Pumpkin".
The boat was designed in Italy and built in Spain.
He declined to say how much it had cost but did say a quality radio-controlled yacht could cost at least $8000.
"[I’m] not here for second."
